Mountain Sunset
Photo: Jeff Johnson
What?
Watch the sunset in the mountains.
Why?
There’s just something magical about watching the sun go down at high elevation. The mountains seem to create their own weather phenomenon and you never know what type of visual show will unravel. Also, by being outside around sunset you can train your circadian rhythm to be healthier. Also, because mountains are so majestic, they may help induce a sense of awe, which is great for mood.
How to?
Go to the mountains.
Watch the sun go down. Take a few slow, deep breaths.
Soak in the vast landscape and notice how the lighting changes in your panoramic field of vision.
Protips:
Dress warm. Bring friends and flashlights so you can find your way back home.
The Rabbit Hole (References for People Who Like to Geek Out)
Keltner, D. (2016, May 10). Why Do We Feel Awe? https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_do_we_feel_awe
Huberman, A [@Hubermanlab]. (2020 April 9). “Morning and evening sunlight is especially important and powerful, when it comes to activating the biological circuits that support mental [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w7GP7nwwk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Huberman, A. (Host). (2021 June 14). The science of vision, eye health & seeing better (No. 24) [Video podcast episode]. In Huberman Lab. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObtW353d5i0&t=1920s Timestamp: 32:00
Patterson, S.S., Kuchenbecker, J.A., Anderson, J.R., Neitz, M., Neitz, J. (2020). A Color Vision Circuit for Non-Image-Forming Vision in the Primate Retina. Current Biology, 30(7), 1269-1274.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.040
Rivera, A.M., Huberman A.D. (2020). Neuroscience: A Chromatic Retinal Circuit Encodes Sunrise and Sunset for the Brain. Current Biology, 30(7), R316-R318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.090
We’d love to know how you microdose nature!
If you’d like to help expand the diversity of our microdoses (and help create a thriving community of nature junkies in the process), email us at hello@naturejunkielife.com
In your email, briefly describe your favorite nature connection experience, how to do it, and how it makes you feel. The more weird, wise and wonderful the better. Thanks in advance!
